Amsterdam: Ultimate City Guide
I’ve been dreaming about going back to Amsterdam.
Charming dutch houses right along the canal. Cobblestone streets lined with buzzing outdoor cafés. Bright hued tulips dotting the flower boxes. People zooming by on bikes, sailing past by boat. It’s vibrant and beautiful.
Not sounding like the Amsterdam you imagined? Some people know it to be a party city, and prior to the Covid-19 shut downs, it attracted a million visitors each month. People looking to explore the Red Light District, clubs, and cannabis cafes. While it’s an extremely fun place to visit, it’s also a destination rich in history and culture.
I think it’s one of the most enchanting cities I’ve ever visited.
I’m excited to share some of my favorite parts of Amsterdam to help you plan a future trip!
In 2019 I had the opportunity to travel to Amsterdam twice for work.
For so many reasons it’s been the highlight of my job. Amsterdam is actually where my company headquarters is located, so I was getting a chance to meet some coworkers in person for the first time after years of emails and phone calls. When an opportunity finally came up, I was extremely excited and grateful.
I wanted to fully embrace the opportunity to be there, and immerse myself in the culture. I wanted to learn about the city, the people, and the language. And I wanted to see as much of Amsterdam as I could in the time that I had!
The Dancing Houses
In my experience, a short trip to Europe (especially for business) requires careful planning.
You have to do your research, wake up early, map out locations in similar areas to fully maximize productivity. Make the time difference an advantage rather than a disadvantage. And make the most of it! You’ll sleep when your dead (or go home).
Before I went to Amsterdam for the first time, I gathered recommendations and tips from several friends who had visited before me as I usually do. It also really helped to gather more info from my coworkers who live there, and even people I met on my trip!
As much as I enjoy traveling alone, I wouldn’t have had nearly as much fun without my best friends who joined me from NY for a spontaneous weekend or the coworkers who took me out to dinner! It’s probably what made my experience so memorable, and my love of this place so strong.
Whether you are stopping in Amsterdam for a few days as a part of a larger Eurotrip, vacationing in Amsterdam the whole time, or extending a business trip like me, this guide will provide lots of helpful trip planning tips!
Where to Stay
Planning the accommodations for your trip will be fun, more so than some other European cities because there are tons of options. There are so many amazing hotels to stay in and unique homes to rent in Amsterdam.
Best Neighborhoods
De Negen Straatjes/ Nine Streets
The quintessential postcard from Amsterdam. It’s probably the most picturesque neighborhood on the canals. While it’s beautiful if you’re simply strolling the canals, it’s also a great place to dine in some of the cities best restaurants and cafes. Its a hub for designer shops and vintage boutiques.
Jordaan
Probably the most famous neighborhood! This is where the Anne Frank museum is located. Stroll Westerstraat, one of the big streets in Jordaan, which does a weekend market with over 200 stalls. Maybe check out the houseboat (Woonboot) museum while you’re at it!
De Pijp
Everyone says this is one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city. Highly recommend checking out Gerard Duplein and the Albert Cuyp Market! This is also where the Heineken Experience is located.
Here is a little more info about the hotels where I stayed. I highly recommend both!
The Hoxton
Loved this hotel so much, especially for its incredible location in the 9 Streets on Herengracht. We were steps away from all the action, the best restaurants, and the dreamy lights of the canals at night! But the Hoxton also had exceptional service, and endless charm.
The Hoxton is beautifully decorated, and though the rooms aren’t very large, the lobby is so comfortable it feels like an extension of hotel room. It boasts a lively lounge for after-dinner drinks and Lotti’s the hotel restaurant is great for brunch!
My friends and I squeezed into a King size bed in one of the ‘roomy’ bedrooms, and though it was a little tight we had so much fun! We took advantage of the lobby photo booth after some cocktails, and even conversed with Taye Diggs at the hotel one night after dinner!
Learn more about The Hoxton Here.
Kimpton De Witt
This was another really lovely hotel! Located in the city center, a block from the dancing houses and some of the oldest pubs in the city! It was close to the canals and the best neighborhoods.
The rooms were really big, modern, and updated.
Check out more & book your stay at the Kimpton DeWitt Here.
More Great Hotels Options
We spent time at the Dylan and the Pulitzer and they were both incredibly impressive. We grabbed drinks at each and could instantly tell why everyone recommends staying at these hotels! Next time I visit I’d love to stay at either of these properties.
Though I haven’t been to the Conservatorium, it seems so grand and luxurious. My coworkers had many good things to say about it.
Some of the interesting decor at the Pulitzer
Things to Do
Bike through Vondelpark
If you’re rusty on a bike, I’d recommend walking the city instead. It can get pretty intensive with bikers moving swiftly through a very organized traffic system. But one place you can feel comfortable riding with the Dutch is Vondelpark! It’s beautiful, and a nice green oasis in nature from the rest of the city.
Taste at Foodhallen
Before I left Amsterdam I grabbed a drink with a coworker at Foodhallen!
This food hall has a huge variety of cuisines and represents the most beloved dishes from well-known restaurants and bars from across the city. So if you are short on time like me, this is a great way to try things! We sat at a Gin & Tonic bar.
Explore the Albert Cuyp Market
Located in De Pijp, this is the countries largest open-air market! It’s over a century old, full of local food and shopping vendors. You can spend all day exploring the 300 different stalls.
Get Cultured at Museumplein
This public space that gathers several of the best museums in Amsterdam is one of the cities main attractions.
I’m partially embarrassed to say that I don’t really enjoy museums... I tend to find them boring. I do like exhibits, pop-ups or event activations that are a bit more interactive. I wish I had a greater appreciation for the fine arts like others do, but for now, photography and design is where I am comfortable.
But when traveling in a different country with its own culture, it feels like a great opportunity to understand its history better, and history is a subject I REALLY enjoy.
Museums are also a great rainy day activity, and in Amsterdam, it drizzles often!
Rijksmuseum
This Dutch National museum was one of my favorites, mostly because of the gorgeous building and the rich history that decks its grand halls.
Buy tickets to Rijksmuseum Here
Van Gogh Museum
Here you can admire some of the world’s most beautiful paintings by Van Gogh
Buy tickets to the Van Gogh Museum Here
Banksy at the Moco
Street art installations from the infamous Banksy
Buy tickets to the Banksy at Moco Here
Tour the Anne Frank House
I tried to go to the Anne Frank House on both visits to Amsterdam but unfortunately, the tickets sold out before I could. This is common, so reserve your tickets in advance! They also release a small number of tickets the morning of. It seems like an amazing and really moving experience!
I suggest buying tickets early to the Anne Frank Museum Here
Visit the Bloemenmarkt (Floating Flower Market)
This was such a fun activity. I had this on my list to visit, but stumbled into the flower market on a morning walk and ended up spending some time there!
There are lots of shops that have fresh flowers, and bulbs or seeds you can plant yourself. There are many souvenirs and gifts if you’re planning on bringing something special home!
Admire the Dutch Architecture
Some people may associate the Netherlands with windmills and bridges.
But Amsterdam is known for its canal houses. My favorite activity in Amsterdam is walking the canals, and admiring the Dutch Baroque architecture of the narrow homes. Look at all the steeps and gables!!! I love taking pictures of the different exteriors and comparing the style of each home.
Here are some fun facts in case your exploring solo!
The city is built on 11 million poles!
Want to know why the homes are so narrow? In the 17th century, the locals were taxed on the width of their property. So making a narrow house was a great way to save money!
Why does it look like the houses are leaning? The homes were built like that so the gable was further out into the street to make it easier to haul everything in via the hook and window on top.
Sail on a Canal Cruise
This is an activity you shouldn’t miss when in Amsterdam!
On my first visit, my friend Veronica recommended a canal tour that she had done once and loved! This semi-private boat called ‘The Tourist’ embarks from the Pulitzer hotel daily at 5:00 pm. It’s a 90-minute excursion where you can learn the history of Amsterdam, information about the interesting buildings and boathouses on the route, all while enjoying a glass of wine! I think it was definitely worth the money since it was such a unique experience. But note this is not a party boat like some of the others!
The boat itself is beautiful! It was built in 1909, and we learned that Winston Churchill once rode on this same vessel! For my first trip to Amsterdam, it was exactly what I was looking for!
There are plenty of other boat tours to choose from as well! They range based on the size of the boat and the number of passengers, as well as the length of time. Some even have bars onboard or are BYOB! You can charter private boats, or join larger tours! Below are some options:
Have some fun with Those Dam Boat Guys!
Rent & drive your own boat on Mokum Boat!
Take a romantic dinner cruise with Jewel Cruises!
Ride with a large group on Lovers Canal Cruises or Blue Boat Tours!
Stroll the Canals and the deStrajets
You will never get bored of walking around this city.
Every street is different, and every home on each street is different.
Fun Day Ideas
I came across a few activities I thought looked so fun, and I’d love to do on my next trip to Amsterdam!
G’s Brunch Boat - cruising + boozin + brunch. Honestly sounds delightful
Sub high-tea for an afternoon of High-Wine at Bar Brasserie OCCO @ The Dylan. From 3-4:30 pm there is a pre-fixe menu where the executive chef puts together four pairings of food and wine.
Private Booze Cruise with your friends
Shopping
There are so many amazing boutiques and shops. In addition to typical souvenirs, I’ve also bought clothes, jewelry, and home decor on my visits to Amsterdam!
One of my favorite keepsakes is a pair of traditional Dutch Houses that I got from my flight on KLM. On my second trip to Amsterdam I stumbled upon more for purchase at a shop not far from Museumplein.
Where To Eat
The food in Amsterdam is pretty incredible. There are fun quintessential dishes to try of course, but there is also a very eclectic mix of restaurant cuisines much like New York City.
Here are some traditional spots I would recommend trying:
Don’t leave before trying a stroopwafel in the Netherlands! You can get these everywhere, but the prettiest (and tastiest in my opinion) are from Van Wonderen
Heavenly pannenkoeken (Dutch pancakes) with all the toppings at Happy Pig or Pancakes
Famous Apple Pie at Winkel 43
The best cookies at Van Stepele (shout out to Veronica for this rec!!) These delicious chocolate cookies have a warm white chocolate center. They are worth waiting in line 5-10 minutes for, and are baked fresh right in front of you!
Enjoy a traditional Dutch meal of Stamppot at Moeders!
Maybe unexpected, but there is a large Indonesian influence in Amsterdam, so enjoy a traditional Rijstaffel at Indonesian Kitchen or Long Pura. Tons of small plates with different dishes to try, so this is fun for a group dinner!
Restaurants I Recommend
I’d recommend making a reservation because I’m not the only one who loves them!
Cafe George: We sat outside in the sun, tasted bidderballen (Dutch meatballs), and had delicious cocktails!
Mama Kelly: Millennial pink and very Instagram worthy! Out of town but not far in an Uber.
Jansz @ the Pulitzer: Had a lovely dinner here! But also recommend Pause for drinks before, and a cocktail at the famous Pulitzer bar afterward! It was voted the best bar in Amsterdam in 2019.
Cannibale Royale: Serving delicious burgers and fun vibes! Their playlists are epic
Renato’s Pizza: SUPER AUTHENTIC Italian pizzeria & osteria on a street corner in De Pijp. This was my favorite meal in Amsterdam actually. If there is a wait just grab a drink at the cozy bar down the street, Dopey’s Elixir.
Best Food in Amsterdam
These are some restaurants that were recommended to me multiple times! I’d add these to your list for sure, but make sure to make reservations in advance at these as well.
De Kas: Local, vegan, and delicious meal set in a beautiful greenhouse
Bar Botanique: Probably the most stunning restaurant I’ve ever seen. Super tropical setting in the city
Restaurant de Plantage: located by the zoo, close enough you can apparently see the flamingo’s from the patio!
Café de Klepel: A wine bar but with incredible fine cuisine and a chef-curated tasting menu. My coworker who has lived in Amsterdam for a long time said this is her absolute favorite restaurant!
Mr.Porters: Highly recommended steakhouse
Ron Gastrobar: Unpretentious but food worth raving over
Dining room at Jansz
Coffeeshops & Cafès
Pluk Amsterdam: Also has healthy food and juice
Coffee + Coconuts: big beach shack vibes!
Ree7: Coffee. Lunch. Massive milkshake treats!
Bakers & Roasters: Super cute New Zealand meets Brazilian cafe. Best for brunch.
Lot 61 has the cutest to-go window
The Breakfast Club: Yum!
Bars by Neighborhood
Bar Oldenhoff: On Elandsgracht in 9 streets
Hannekes Boom: Central in the city, outdoor, and a really fun bar on the canal
Bar Bukowski: Lively bar the locals love, out in AMS East by Oosterpark!
Amsterdam Roest: On the edge of the city but a fun outdoor bar by the water
Vondeltuin: Located in Vondelpark at the south end, laidback outdoor restaurant and bar
More Tourist Sites to Explore
Cafe De Sluyswacht
Dancing Houses
Begijnhof Courtyard
Rembrandt House Museum
Red Light District
Best Time to Visit
I’ve visited in early April and the end of September, and both times the weather was surprisingly delightful! Spring is very popular with tourists because of the tulips in bloom across the Netherlands, and it seems in Spring and Summer flights and hotels are more expensive.
It is less expensive to visit in the winter, so for the budget conscious travelers, I would explore flights in December-February. I honestly think this city would be just as wonderful to experience then, just bundle up so you can still walk around!
The Weather
I prepared and packed for clouds and rain, as I had been warned this was typical in Amsterdam! But on both trips, I got extremely lucky and had a few days of full sunshine and warmth! Even if the clouds cover the sky, this city still totally shines.
Traveling Beyond Amsterdam
Amsterdam is an incredible city on its own, but I hope on my next visit there it will be one stop on a Eurotrip! Since this area of Western Europe is pretty small, one can hop on a short flight to London, a train to Brugge or Paris, and a short drive to Germany.
It has been a dream of mine to travel more in this part of Europe.
Unfortunately, I haven’t had enough free time while I’ve been there to venture outside of the city, so this guide will just focus on central Amsterdam. But if you’re traveling to the Netherlands many people visit the countryside with its famous windmills, the canals of Giethoorn, and the cities of Utrecht and The Hague.
I can’t speak highly enough of this beautiful city…
I know it may not be possible to visit for some time, but once we are able to take a trip to Europe again this will be a great destination. I hope it’s at the top of your list!
Xx Gab
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